For many women, the pregnancy process is rife with unpleasant negative side negative effects. Unrelenting heartburn, morning sickness, and headaches… far from the beautiful, radiant pregnancy we’d hoped for (ha!). Many of these adverse results are related to the increase in hormones within the body.

If are you experiencing migraines during pregnancy and you’re experiencing some anxiety then read this article to find out the cause and treatment options.

What is the cause of headaches during the course of pregnancy?

Headaches are commonplace in the first and third trimesters. The NHS states that headaches are common in the first trimester and tend to disappear completely or improve during the final six months of pregnancy.

Your body will be experiencing hormonal changes throughout the first trimester, which may result in headaches more frequently than usual. Headaches may result from sleeping too little, stress as well as low blood sugar levels, and dehydration.

When should I contact an obstetrician or a midwife regarding headaches during the course of pregnancy?

It is recommended to contact your doctor or midwife in the event of a painful headache, or one that isn’t going to disappear.

It could be a sign of hypertension caused by pregnancy, a kind of hypertension that typically develops after the 20th week of gestation.

The pain you experience in your third trimester may be a sign of pre-eclampsia that occurs during pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia could cause serious issues if not assessed, so it is imperative to consult your midwife if there is swelling on your hands, face, and feet, or if you feel discomfort in your ribs.

How do you treat headaches during pregnancy?

When you’re experiencing mild headaches, it’s possible to use paracetamol to treat headaches. Paracetamol can be the preferred painkiller for most pregnant women since it doesn’t have adverse effects on either you or your child.

It is best to stay clear of painkillers that have caffeine, and codeine, or are anti-inflammatory, like Ibuprofen and aspirin.

If you are not experiencing any relief after following the above tips or your headaches are becoming more intense and severe consult your midwife.

Preventing headaches during the course of

To avoid headaches, to begin with There are a few steps you can follow. They include:

* Eating balanced and healthy meals

It is important to drink plenty of fluids in order to avoid dehydration

* Sleeping enough

Relaxing and taking a break whenever you can. You might want to try taking a yoga class for pregnant women.

Migraines during the course of pregnancy

Women who are pregnant can also suffer migraines. A migraine is a form of headache that is more intense than normal headaches and is characterized by an intense throbbing or pounding pain. People can feel sick and be sensitive to sound or light.

Prior to or after a migraine, you might:

* You may see flashing lights or a shift in your vision

Speech problems

* Pins and needles feeling in their legs and arms.

If you’ve never suffered from an attack of migraine, it’s best to seek out your midwife or physician because conditions like pre-eclampsia could be similar to migraines, so it’s a good idea to have a medical checkup to ensure your safety.

If you’ve suffered from migraines prior to being pregnant, it is recommended to consult your doctor or your midwife especially if you had been previously taking medications, because it might not be appropriate during pregnancy.

The treatment of migraines in pregnancy

To relieve or treat symptoms of migraine, try these suggestions:

Place a facecloth that is warm over your nose and eye the area, if you have an issue with sinus headaches.

* Place a cold compress on your back neck while having a bath, or apply a heat pack, if you are suffering from an issue with tension headache.

* Try a neck and shoulder massage

Migraine prevention during the course of pregnancy

The best way to avoid having migraines while pregnant is to watch the causes of migraines and to avoid them from the beginning. It can be anything from stress to sleep deprivation or even certain food items.

The following food items can trigger migraines that is something to look for:

* Chocolate

* Yoghurt

* Peanuts

* Bread

* Sour cream

* Meats preserved with preserves

* Aged cheese

* Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

* Caffeine (withdrawal from)

It is also recommended to take the same steps to get rid of headaches, including drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet.

Acupuncture is also a popular option for women to help sufferers of migraines. It’s generally recommended when you’re pregnant, however, you should speak with your midwife, or GP prior to scheduling sessions.